How Much Do Blueprints Cost in 2025?
Blueprints cost an average of $1,732
On average, blueprints cost between $820 and $2,709, with most homeowners spending an average of $1,732.
Blueprints for small projects can cost as little as $300, while complex plans can reach $5,000 or more.
Hiring an architect costs $100 to $200 per hour.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Average blueprint costs range from $820 to $2,709, with an average of $1,732, though you could pay as low as $300 or as high as $5,000 or more. The total price depends on factors like the scope of your project and the type of plans you need.
Whether you're planning a new build or an addition, architects and draftspeople can create the perfect house plans for you. Use this guide to understand which factors impact the price of house plans and find out how much you’ll need to budget for this project.
Blueprint Cost Factors
Today, most blueprints or architectural drawings are offered as digital files. While architects and contractors usually include the cost of printed plans in their estimates, they might sometimes ask you to order prints from a professional reprographer.
A house plan is the detailed manual for your project, mapping out how every wall, window, and beam comes together. The total price hinges on the type of drawings you need, printing costs, drafting fees, and any alterations along the way.
| Cost Factor | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Printing | $0.06–$20 per sheet |
| Drafting fees | $0.50–$10 per sq. ft. |
| Draftsperson | $75–$125 per hour |
| New build drafts | $5,000–$20,000+ |
| Alterations | $400–$2,500 |
| Architect | $100–$200 per hour |
| Structural engineer | $150–$250 an hour |
Printing Costs
Printing costs range from $0.06 to $20 per sheet. For an average house, you will have 10 sheets per level, and a complete set includes all the sheets for your entire project. While many pros use digital PDF blueprints on tablets and laptops at the job site, classic prints come in different materials and sizes.
Tyvek sheets cost $2 to $20 each. They’re waterproof and durable, so you usually need just one set on site.
Drafting Fees per Square Foot
Drafting fees range from $0.50 to $10 per square foot, depending on your project:
For basic or small additions, expect rates between $0.50 and $3 per square foot.
Standard home plans range from $3 to $5 per square foot.
Blueprints for high-end custom projects are $6 to $10 per square foot.
Architects charge at the higher end of the spectrum, especially for plans for new construction.
Hourly Rates
Drafting services cost $75 to $125 per hour, and most residential plans take 10 to 13 hours. If you prefer one flat number, many freelancers quote an average of $1,750 for a standard home. Complex or commercial work can take far longer.
The cost to hire an architect ranges between $100 and $200 per hour, with most projects averaging $5,000. While architects often handle large-scale commercial buildings or complex homes, many also provide simple house blueprints for residential projects.
New Build Drafts
If you're building a new home, expect to pay more for blueprints than for home addition plans because starting from scratch requires more work. Custom plans add between $5,000 and $20,000 or more to your new home's construction cost.
Alterations
Plan changes average $800, but costs can run from $400 to $2,500 or more if the tweaks are extensive. Lock in your design before you sign off on the final plans—last-minute adjustments add up fast.
Other Blueprint Types
Beyond additions and new builds, you might encounter several other types of blueprints that can be useful for your projects.
As-Built Drawing & Survey Costs
An "as-built" set of plans shows the existing building before any new construction begins, while the proposed plans outline the scope of work. As-builts serve as a benchmark of where your building stands, so your architect can provide demolition, framing, and foundation plans. For more extensive projects, you also need mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans.
Your architect can create an official record drawing from the as-builts, representing the final version of the building as constructed. These plans are helpful if you or future homeowners want to make structural changes, like an addition or remodel.
Mechanical House Plans
A mechanical plan is a technical drawing that includes the locations of outlets, HVAC systems, plumbing, and appliances. These plans cost the same as any other drafting project and are usually included in the price. They’re also helpful during the construction phase of an addition or new structure.
Civil Drafts
Civil drafts are plans for bridges, highways, sewers, or government-related projects. They vary significantly in cost depending on the project.
Commercial Building Plans
Commercial plans have no relatable cost range as they’re project-specific. Most local and state governments have enacted regulations specifying that only licensed architects can design commercial building projects.
However, architects employ and oversee drafters. The architect designs the building, and the drafter turns that design into technical drawings. The architect then reviews and approves, or “stamps,” the final blueprints.
Budgeting for House Plan Costs
House plans are essential for many projects, but they don't have to break the bank. Here are some tips to keep your costs down:
Use existing drawings: Custom house plans are more expensive than pre-approved ones. Working from existing drawings can help you save money.
Consider a draftsperson: Architects charge more for drafting house plans. Hiring a draftsperson or freelancer can lower your drafting fees.
Finalize your design early: Avoid changing the designs after they're drafted to save on alteration costs.
Get multiple quotes: Compare quotes from several drafting professionals in your area to find the most cost-effective option.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro for Blueprints
You can draft your own plans, but it’s a code-heavy process that demands precise measurements and a solid grasp of local regulations. Drawing your own blueprints may shave a few dollars off the upfront budget, but any misstep can stall permits or compromise safety. Hire a local draftsperson or architect to make sure every line meets code.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll want the right pro for the job. Hire a draftsperson when you need cost-efficient technical drawings, choose an architect for a full design and aesthetics, and bring in a structural engineer if safety or load-bearing elements are in play. Each expert keeps your plans code-compliant and your project on track.
Yes, a qualified draftsperson can produce a complete set of residential blueprints for building a house without an architect’s oversight. Look for a drafting pro in your area with current certification and solid experience, then confirm with your local building department that the draftsperson’s stamp meets building codes in the area where you live.
Technically, you can draw your own blueprints, but drafting an accurate, code-ready plan is a tall order. Misplaced walls or overlooked regulations can trigger expensive delays once construction starts. If you want to stay on schedule and meet local requirements, let an architect, draftsperson, or engineer refine—or redraw—your plans. Their fee is minor compared with the cost of fixing mistakes in the field.
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